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It’s long been agreed that smacking is abusive and harmful to a child’s development – and, in some countries, it’s illegal for parents to do it.

Now, experts want to see action taken to tackle verbal abuse – a little-spoken-about issue that is now recognised as one of the most prevalent forms of child maltreatment.

Today, Sharon Hodgson MP, the charity Words Matter and a group of experts are set to discuss the “critical need” for verbal abuse prevention in children.

What is verbal abuse?

Verbal abuse can include blaming, insulting, scolding, criticising or........

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